Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

testudo

noun

/tɛsˈtuːdoʊ/

Definition

A defensive formation used by ancient Roman soldiers, resembling a tortoise shape.

Examples

The Roman legions practiced the testudo to advance safely against enemy archers.
During the siege, the soldiers formed a testudo to protect themselves from projectiles.

Meaning

The term ‘testudo’ refers to a military tactic where soldiers would align closely together, often using their shields to create a protective shell over themselves, resembling the hard shell of a tortoise.